Hogan: September 5, 1863

Hogan: September 5, 1863

Army of PotomackSept. 5th, 1863

My Dear Son [in pencil, Thomas]

I have written to you two letters one after the Battle of Chancelorsville and another after the Battle of Gettysburg and have not recd any answer to either one so I should like you to write at once now and let me know how you are getting along I ascribe my not hearing from you to our being moved about so much but if you direct your letters to the Regiment it must reach me wherever we are I am happy to tell you I am quite well and considering all things very comfortable. I am still employed at Genrl. Brookes headquarters and hope to remain in it as long as I am in the service

We get occasional glimpses of the rebels from our picket lines but except some trifling skirmishes have had no brush with them for some time. In our conversations with them on our picket lines they are individually very friendly and shake hands with us change newspapers &c and generally profess themselves tired of the war

On our march from Gettysburg through Mayland in pursuit of the Rebels I was very fortunate in being with the General staff as although the army in general underwent much hardship and short commons I had quite a pleasant time and lived high amongst the farmers. We are at present in a very healthy location on a range of hills some 10 miles north of the Rappahannock and are well supplied with everything

Our army is now quite scattered over a very extended line and it is not probable that it shall be got together and commence active hostilities for some time yet we are receiving conscripts every day, and I had the painful sight of witnessing the execution of five of them for desertion They were shot quite close to our quarters This is pretty much all the camp news I can think of and I suppose it will not interest you much but for us who see nothing of civilised life now it is all we have to talk about

In your answer let me know whether you have heard from your uncle Tom and let me know how he is and all about him Also my daughter Ann for I have not heard from her since your last letter If you should write to her say to her I am anxious to get a letter from her

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